Universal typewriter spool



July 24, 1962 w. D. LANDGRAF UNIVERSAL TYPEWRITER SPOOL Filed July 1,1960 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. WALTER D. LANDG-EAF ATTO 2 N EY-s July24, 1962 w. D. LANDGRAF UNIVERSAL TYPEWRITER SPOOL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Filed July 1, 1960 'III Wyn

INVENTOR.

WALTER D. Lmqoezm BY ATTOZNEYS fitates This application is acontinuation-in-part of my application, Serial Number 30,562, filed May20, 1960 now Patent 3,008,561, issued November 14, 1961, for TypewriterSpools.

The present invention relates generally to cartridges for inked printingribbons and more particularly to improved packaging devices and spoolsfor inked printing ribbons of the kind employed in typewriters, and thelike, having spools capable of adaptation to a wide variety oftypewriters.

It is presently known to package typewriter ribbons in pairs ofcompletely closed containers, which are joined when sold and which areseparated prior to installation on the typewriters. The ribbons aremounted on spools joined to the containers, and extend from one toanother of the containers through slots provided therein. The advantagesof the described construction are (1) that the fingers of the installersdo not become covered with ink, during installation of a ribbon on atypewriter, because the fingers cannot come in contact with the mainbody of the ribbon, (2) that prolonged storage of the ribbons insubstantially closed containers results in a minimum of ink dryness, and(3) that drying out of the ribbon while in the typewriter is minimized.

In the heretofore known form of typewriter ribbon cartridge, receptacleshave been provided, which are supplied with cover plates, and the latterhave been joined by a frangible element, so that the cover elementsfunction as separable connectors for the receptacles.

In accordance with the present invention, a simplified and moreeffective form of typewriter ribbon cartridge is provided. Twocontainers are utilized, in the form of cylindrical cups, the bases ofwhich are each provided with a small central circular aperture. The cupsthemselves are provided with axial slots for ribbon egress and aninterconnecting bridge joins the slots. The bridge can be severed whenthe cartridge is to be installed, as by means of scissors or other sharpinstruments. The bridge includes two Walls, between which the ribbonpasses in proceeding from one cup to the other via the slots, tomaximize protection of the fingers against soiling with ink from theribbon.

Typewriter spools are also provided, each of which has an extendeddisc-shaped flange acting as a cover plate for a cup and which also eachincludes a stub or shoulder of reduced diameter extending from the mainbody of the spool into rotating engagement with a circular aperture inthe cup base. The rim of each cup is provided with an inwardly extendingcircular lip, of slightly smaller diameter than the flange diameter. Thespool may be assembled to the cup by pressing insertion of the spool,the stub then engaging the small circular aperture in the cup base, andthe flange edges being pressed pastthe cup rim and resiliently engagingthe under side of the latter. This operation is feasible, although theinner diameter of the cup is nearly equal to the flange diameter,because the radial slot in each cup imparts resilience to itscircumferential Wall, permitting it to spread, while the flanges and thecup bases themselves have some inherent resilience. This resilienceholds the flange rim snugly against the lip without impartingsignificant frictional resistance to rotation of the spool within thecup.

Spools according to the present invention are capable of universal usein a wide variety of typewriters. To this atent Patented July 24, 19fi2end the hub of the spool is hollow, except for the provision of threeaxially extending arcuate elements, extending parallel to but spacedfrom the inner hub wall, and spacedly distributed at equal angles aboutthe circumference of a circle. In one type of typewriter, a verticallyextending hollow metallic cylinder, which houses ribbon controlmechanism of conventional character per se, and which acts as a ribbonactuator, can extend within the space between the inner wall of the huband the axial elements. Inwardly projecting lugs integral with thecylinder engage the edges of the axial elements to prevent relativerotation of the hollow metallic cylinder and the spool.

The spool flange includes three equi-angularly disposed radiallyextending recesses, which communicate with the hollow hub. Into theserecesses may be fitted a three pronged adapter, the prongs of which areequi-angularly disposed and extend radially outwardly of a central discwhich fits within the circle defined by the aforementioned axialelements. The adapter is thus secure against both rotation and radialmovement in any direction. In the central disc of the adapter areprovided one central aperture and five smaller apertures distributedsymmetrically about the central apertures. These apertures can engageprongs of a ribbon spool actuation of certain typewriters.

The ribbon spool, taken both with and without its adapter, is thussuitable for use in most commonly commercially sold typewriters.

Structures according to the present invention can be fabricated of threemolded elements: (1) the two joined cup, (2) the spools, which areduplicates, and (3) the adapters for the spools, which are duplicates.The device is therefore economical of fabrication, while the spoolelements perform multiple functions, i.e. they include cover plates forthe cups, spools for the ribbons, driven elements, and fittings to holdthe adapters.

It is, accordingly, a broad object of the present invention to provide.a novel double cartridge for an inked ribbon.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel cartridgesystem for inked ribbons, wherein each cartridge is composed of basicelements, i.e. a cup element and a spool element, the latter including aunitary construction having a flange acting as a cover plate, a ribbonhub, and an adapter.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system of inkedribbon cartridges, each composed of a cup and a spool, the cups beingjoined by a bridge, the walls of which are designed to be placed intoribbon wells of a variety of typewriters without having to change theshape of said wells.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel two pieceribbon cartridge, including a cup having an inwardly protruding rim anda spool having a flange acting as a cover for the cup and engaging theunder side of the rim at the flange edge, wherein provision is made forengaging the spool with a variety of ribbon drive mechanisms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel ribbonspool, having provision for retaining an adapter, whereby the spool maybe adapted to engage the actuating mechanisms of typewriters ofsubstantially all commercial types, some by virtue of the adapterconfiguration and others by virtue of the configuration of the hub ofthe spool, exclusive of the adapter.

The above and still further objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent upon consideration of thefollowing detailed description of one specific embodiment thereof,especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a view in perspective of a typewriter ribbon doublecartridge, according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view as seen from the under side, of a cartridgeaccording to the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a view in perspective of a double cartridge according toFIGURE 1 in process of being mounted on a typewriter;

FIGURE 4 is a view in section taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view in perspective of a single cartridge,according to the invention;

FIGURE 6 is a view in section taken on line 6--6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view of a cartridge in relation to a spool drivemechanism;

FIGURE 8 is a view in plan of a single cartridge; and

FIGURE 9 is a view in section taken on the line 99 of FIGURE 7.

Referring now to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 denotes one cupand the reference numeral 11 another cup of a twin cup ribbon cartridge.The cups 10 and 11 each includes a base, these being identified by thenumerals 12 and 13, and further the cups include cylindrical walls 14,15 and axially located circular openings 16 and 17, in the basesrespectively. Substantially identical spool elements 18 are provided forthe cups 10 and 11, so that a description of one will suflice for both.

The spool elements 18 include disc-shaped flanges 20 acting as coverplates for the cups 10 and 11. The flanges 20 have slightly smallerdiameters than the inner diameters of the cylindrical walls 14, 15, andhence fit snugly but rotationally therein. Extending centrally from eachflange is a hub 21, on which may be wound a ribbon 22. To secure theribbon 22 to the hubs 21, suitable fastening device 60 are secured tothe hubs 21. Each of the hubs is provided at its end with a stub orshoulder of reduced diameter, 23, which fits within the axial openings,as 16, 17, the latter providing a bearing surface for the stub orshoulder 23, both in respect to rotary and end bearing, since the mainbody of the hub 21 is of slightly greater diameter than the diameters ofthe openings 16, 17.

The rims of cups 1% and 11 are each provided with an inwardly extendinglip 26 of internal diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of theflanges 20. The height of the spool plus the thickness of the flange,making allowance for the height of the shoulder 23, is such that theupper edge of the flange 26 can be forced under the lip 26, andthereafter rotate within the cylindrical walls, as 15, 16, withoutvertical or lateral play. Opposed axial slots 27 are provided in thecylindrical walls 14 and 15 of the cups 10, 11, to permit movement of aribbon into and out of the cups. The slots 27 have the added effect ofimparting resilience to the cylindrical walls 14, 15, permitting somespread when the flanges 20 are forced into place, and this resilience inturn maintains a close fit of the flanges 20 within the cups. In avertical sense the bases 12, 13 of the cups have sufficient resilienceto maintain contact of the edges of the flanges 20 against the underside of rims 26. The thickness of the shoulder 23 is approximatelyadequate to equal the thickness of the base 12 of the cup 10.

The cups 10 and 11 are joined by two parallel webs 31, 32, joined by abase 33, to form a bridge between the cups, and also to provide a shieldfor that portion of the ribbon 22 which extends between the cups, viaopenings 27. Openings 34 are provided in webs 31, 32, and base 33, topermit observation of the ribbon, as to establish color or type, andalso to facilitate cutting of the bridge.

The cartridge pairs are sold in bridged or joined relation. When thepurchaser desires to install the ribbon in a typewriter, the bridge iscut, as by scissors or other sharp instruments, at the windows 34, andthe cups 10, 11, separated. The cups are installed in the typewriterwith with the bases 12, 13 upwardly, and the cover plates 20 areprovided with devices, hereinafter described, which can engage drivingmechanism of a typewriter. Such mechanism rotates as the typewriter isoperated to type,

and rotates the cover plates or flanges 20, and thereby the spools 21,in usual fashion. The spools including flanges 20 cannot wobble, duringrotation, because they are provided with bearing surfaces at theshoulders 23 and also at the edges of flanges 20, where the latter fitsnugly laterally against the inner surfaces of Walls 14 or 15, anduppwardly against the under side of lip 26.

Extending upwardly from the base of the hub 21, and internally of theWall of the hub, are three arcuate elements 42, which are distributed atequal angles co-axially of the wall of the hub 21 but are spacedradially therefrom. The heights of the axial arcuate elements 42 aresuch that they extend to the outer surface of the flange 20 at theirouter edges. The flange itself is provided with radial openings 43,three in number, and spaced equiangularly about the flange, andsymmetrically with respect to the axis thereof. The openings 43communicate with slots 44 in the wall of the hub 21, and extend abouthalf way down into the hub.

An adapter 45 is provided, as a element separate from the flange 20 andhub 21, and comprises three radially extending elements 46, extendingfrom a central disc 47. The disc 47 is provided with a central opening48, surrounding which are located five openings 49, (for example only),at equal angles and on a circle concentric with the central opening 48.The central disc 47 is slightly thicker than the radial extensions 46,but on one side the extensions 46 and the disc 47 are co-planar or havea co-planar surface, this being the outer surface when the adapter isapplied to the flange 20. When so applied the extensions 46 fit theopenings 43, while the central disc 47 fits the opening formed by thethree axial arcuate elements 42, the spacing between adjacent pairs ofthese permitting passage of the extensions 46.

Extending downwardly from flange-like base 54 is a cylindrical sleeve58, within which rides a reciprocable rod 59, the latter serving toactuate a ribbon feed control 64, located within cylinder 53, and whichis part of a typewriter and not of the present invention, and thereforeis not further described.

In operation the cylinder 53 fits into the opening 55. The cylinder 53is provided with an inwardly extending lug 62, which in conjunction witha further lug 63, locks into the spaces between arcuate elements 42, andprevents rotary play of the spool with respect to the cylinder 53.Rotation of sleeve 58, in response to typing operation of a typewriter,then results in rotation of the spool.

When the adapter 45 is applied to the flange 20, it provides a couplingelement to a driving mechanism having a central pin for engaging opening48, and one further pin, as 51, which engages one of the openings 47, sothat each hub and flange can be rotated with respect to its cup. On theother hand, when the adapter 45 is removed, exposing the arcuate axiallyextending elements 42, and the opening between these and the outer wallof the hub 21, provision exists for coupling the hub '21 with a driveelement 52, such as is illustrated in FIGURE 9 of the accompanyingdrawings and which includes a metallic cylinder 53, extending upwardlyfrom a flangelike base 54 of greater diameter than the cylinder 53. Thecylinder 53 extends into the space 55 between the hub 21 and theelements 42.

A typewriter ribbon well 56 is shown in FIGURE 3, in fragmentaryfashion, to indicate that the web 31 which forms part of each cup, as11, 12 bears against the edge of well 56, after the cup and enclosedribbon have been installed in a typewriter. Thereby the cup, as 12 isheld against rotation, the edge 57 of well 56 operating as a stop, butrotation of flange 20 within the cup 12 is not impeded.

While I have described and illustrated one specific embodiment of thepresent invention, it will become apparent that variations of thespecific details of construction may he resorted to without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims.

aoaaeoo What I claim is:

1. A ribbon cartridge, comprising a pair of cups, a bridge joining saidcups, each of said cups including a base wall and a cylindrical wallextending from and integral with said base wall, said cylindrical wallsof said cups including opposing axial slots for ingress and egress of aribbon, a spool for each of said cups, each of said spools including aflange acting as a cover for said cup, andmeans for securing said spoolsand flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, said bridgeincluding at least two walls between which said ribbon extends inpassing between said axial slots, and adapters arranged to be secured tosaid flanges, said flanges including recesses mated with said adapters.

2. A ribbon cartridge adapted for use with a drive shaft having aradially extending arm, comprising a pair of joined cups, each of saidcups including a base Wall and a cylindrical wall extending from andintegral with said base Wall, said cylindrical Walls of said cups eachincluding an axial slot, a spool for each of said cups, each of saidspools having a flange acting as a cover for a cup, means for securingsaid spools and flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, saidspools including a plurality of arcuate axially extending elementslocated interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements all falling on arcs ofthe same circle and being circumferentially separated, said elementsbeing spaced so that said arm extends between an adjacent pair of them.

3. A ribbon cartridge, comprising a pair of. joined cups, each of saidcups including a base wall and a cylindrical Wall extending from andintegral with said base wall, said cylindrical walls of said cups eachincluding an axial slot, a spool for each of said cups, each of saidspools having a flange acting as a cover for a cup, means for securingsaid spools and flanges rotationally with respect to said cups, saidspools including a plurality of arcuate axially extending elementslocated interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements all falling on arcs ofthe same circle and being circumferentially separated and a multiprongedadapter having prongs mating with slots in said flange and a centraldisc located between said arcuate elements.

4. A spool for a typewriter ribbon, said spool including a hollow hub, aflange coaxial with and integral with said hub, said flange including aplurality of spaced apertures, said hub having internally thereof aplurality of elements adapted to engage a first type of ribbon driver,and an adapter having arms engageable with said hub and the apertures ofsaid flange, in irrotational relation to said flange, said adapter beingarranged to engage a second type of ribbon driver difierent from saidfirst type of ribbon driver.

5. The spool of claim 4 wherein said apertures extend ate elementsfalling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentiallyseparated.

7. The combination according to claim 6 wherein is further provided amulti-pronged adapter having prongs mating with slots in said flange anda central disc located between said arcuate elements.

8. A ribbon cartridge comprising a pair of cups having parallel axes, abridge joining said cups, each of said 7 cups including a base wall anda cylindrical wall exradially of said flange and divide said flange intoequal tending from and integral with said base Wall, said cylindricalwalls including opposed axial slots for ingress and egress of saidribbon, a spool rotatable within each of said cups, each of said spoolsincluding a flange acting as a cover for its cup, said bridge extendingin a plane parallel to the axes of said cups, said bridge beingseverable to leave a protuberance on each cup arranged to preventpredetermined rotations of said cups with respect to the wells of inkedprinting machines when installed therein, and adapters arranged to besecured to said flanges, said flanges including recesses mated with saidadapters.

9. A universal ribbon cartridge adapted for use with a drive shafthaving a radially extending arm, comprising a pair of cups, :a severablebridge joining said cups, a spool installed in each of said cups androtatable freely with respect thereto, said cups being arranged forinstallation in the wells of an inked printing machine after severanceof said bridge, thesevered remainders of said bridge on each side of theline of severance remaining secured to said cups as protuberances andbeing arranged to hold said cups against rotation with respect to saidwells, said spools including a plurality of arcuate, axially extendingelements located interiorly thereof, said arcuate elements elements allfalling on arcs of the same circle and being circumferentiallyseparated, said elements being spaced so that said arm extends betweenan adjacent pair of them.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said cups and said bridge beforeseverance constitute a unitary molded structure.

11. An adapter for ribbon spools carried by rotatable driving elements,comprising a cylinder having an axially extending wall, means on saidcylinder for securing said cylinder to said driving elements and aplurality of radially extending arms secured to said wall and adapted tofit into slots on a flange of said spools.

12. The adapter of claim 11 wherein said arms are equispaced about thecentral axis of said cylinder.

13. The adapter of claim 11 wherein said cylinder includes a discsecured to and extending at right angles to said wall, said discincluding a plurality of apertures adapted to engage the drivingelement.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Rolleret al Mar. 29, 1960

